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A Matter of Facts
(SC)2 - South Carolina Science Council - The State Chapter of NSTA
The 39th annual South Carolina Science Council Conference was held November 2-4, 2016 in
Columbia, SC at the Metropolitan Conference Center. From the spectacular Keynote speakers
to the informative breakout sessions, opportunities to have fun, learn and grow were
everywhere.
Lucia Jacobs, Newsletter Editor
Good teachers know how to
bring out the best in students. Charles Kuralt
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charleskur364247.html
January 2017/February 2017
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SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017
On August 21, 2017 Columbia, SC will be one of the best places to witness the Solar Eclipse of 2017. While the entire United States will see a partial eclipse, Columbia will be one of a handful of cities to see the amazing spectacle of a total solar eclipse.
Picture: https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/south-carolina/
Eclipse Information taken from: http://scmuseum.org/eclipse/
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The SC State Museum
ECLIPSE HEADQUARTERS
The SC State Museum will be the headquarters for the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse in South Carolina and will be providing assistance and resources for various groups leading up to the events in August 2017.
Eclipse Training
The State Museum has been selected by the Space Grant Consortium, at the College of Charleston, to be the official midlands NASA training center.
The museum will have training kits available for institutions, schools and groups who are interested. More info soon!
Outreach and Education
State Museum astronomy educators will serve as resident experts for knowledge and expertise on eclipse related subjects. These astronomy educators can and will be assisting in the following ways to various groups:
Outreach to education groups and school districts statewide. Attractions and institutions seeking advice and knowledge on hosting eclipse events. Providing information to the general public about the total solar eclipse.
Boeing Observatory Eclipse Distance Learning Experience
The Boeing Observatory at the SC State Museum is excited to offer a NEW distance learning experience to get you and your students ready for the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse! In this free 30-minute class led by SCSM observatory educators, you’ll learn:
Eclipse visibility and times for your school’s location Safe eclipse viewing techniques Evening observing opportunities in the Boeing Observatory What’s actually going to happen during the eclipse (and it’s going to be spectacular!) Plus, you will receive a copy of our training presentation to keep as a resource for eclipse day
Even though the eclipse is next school year, it’s important to begin training now. Don’t wait to schedule your eclipse distance learning experience! Simply contact our observatory staff at [email protected] and we’ll work with you on arranging a date and time.
Eclipse Information taken from: http://scmuseum.org/eclipse/
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38th Annual Biology Merit Exam!
Friday, April 28, 2017, 9:30am - noon, Tillman Auditorium – Clemson University See website for complete details http://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/biosci/biology-merit-exam/index.html Pre-register today and reserve space for your group! Pre-registration is free. Space in Tillman Auditorium will be limited, but is likely not to be an issue based on average attendance. Group coordinators must then also officially register and pay for their students during the open registration period (Mach 1- April 7) to guarantee participation. The Clemson University Department of Biological Sciences annually conducts the Biology Merit Exam to recognize and promote outstanding achievement in the biological sciences among middle and high school students in South Carolina. Students attending the Biology Merit Exam at Clemson University will have an opportunity to:
Test their Biology knowledge with the exam Acquaint themselves with Clemson University Tour the Clemson campus, explore the museums, attend science exhibits and demonstrations Prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam Prepare for success on the Biology "End of the Year Exam" Explore a college atmosphere and see what a college freshman exam might look like Compete against students at grade level for awards
Eligible Participants Any middle school or high school students who have completed or are currently enrolled in a biology or life science course AND who have been identified by their teachers as having a strong interest and aptitude in the biological sciences are encouraged to participate. Homeschool students and students from out of state are welcome! Exam Structure & Divisions The Biology Merit Exam consists of forty multiple-choice questions of varying degrees of difficulty that are distributed among the major content areas of biology. Each year the exam has a different “theme”; examples of previous exam themes include: the biology of the Bengal Tiger, yellow jacket, blue whale, and a wren. Students compete only against others in their own division, and awards are given to the top three students as well as honorable mentions in each division. Copies of previous exams are available on the BME website. Registration and Fees Advance registration is required, and registration will be open March 1 – April 7, 2017 Student registration fees are $10/student. Optional T-shirts will be available for $12 ea.
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Clemson University Life Sciences Outreach Center
The Clemson University Life Sciences Outreach Center (CULSOC) is accepting reservations for laboratory field trips for spring 2017! Let our expertise enhance your students’ learning! Our hands-on, inquiry-based genetics and biotechnology labs are open to 5th- 12th grade students. Each lab meets one or more state science standards. Lab topics include: - Mutants & Microscopes - Demystifying Deoxyribonucleic Acid (AKA DNA) - Bacterial Transformation and GMOs - DNA Fingerprinting/Crime Scene Analysis - Your DNA and Traits - Mapping Plasmids Using Restriction Enzymes - Supercomputers for DNA Research Descriptions of each lab, associated fees, a printable color flyer, and more can be found on the CULSOC website: www.clemson.edu/culsoc. Advance reservations are required and available on a first come-first served basis. We will accommodate your schedule as best we can. CULSOC can bring labs to your school or venue! If you can't bring your students to Clemson, our labs can come to you! Please contact Dr. Victoria Corbin, Director, to discuss your needs and details. Victoria Corbin, Ph.D., Director of Education Outreach [email protected], 864-656-3013 (office), 785-766-1923 (cell)
BIOL Online - Non-thesis Master's - Clemson University
The Clemson University Department of Biological Sciences is proud to offer an online, non-thesis Master of Biological Sciences designed specifically for K-12 teachers and other science educators interested in biological sciences. This program is fully in a distance-learning format and lectures are available 24/7. See http://www.clemson.edu/science/departments/biosci/academics/online-masters/index.html for details.
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GEOetc’s Discover Professional Development
Looking for a meaningful, engaging and adventurous summer professional development that will increase your Earth science content knowledge and improve your inquiry-based teaching. Check out these field experiences to Colorado and Hawaii (trip information for Acadia National Park will be posted soon)! These trips are open to K-12 Earth science teachers, Environmental Science teachers, teachers wanting to increase their content knowledge for NGSS, special education teachers, ELL teachers, pre-service teachers and informal educators. You do not need to have a background in Earth science to attend. Trips fill fast- register TODAY! www.geoetc.com/field-adventures/.
The Central Colorado field experience will introduce you to a variety of geologic topics such as rocks, mineral, fossils, geologic history and much, much more. Using an inquiry-based approach, you and your peers will piece together Colorado’s geology, learn how the Rocky Mountain formed, and collect rock, mineral and fossil samples for you to take back to your classroom. Join us as we touch dinosaur footprints, learn about trace fossils, touch an unconformity that spans over 1 billion years, soak in the geothermal waters along the Rio Grande Rift, walk across the highest bridge in the United States, view spectacular geology, network with teachers across the country, and much, much more!
Come and experience the active volcanoes of the Big Island of Hawaii. This nine-day (8-night) field experience on the Big Island of Hawaii will have you living on one of the world’s most active volcanoes. This trip will give you deep knowledge of volcanoes- their processes, products, and how humans live with the hazards they pose. Learn about classroom activities and experience the real world of volcanology in the field. During this trip, you will visit the green sand beach and the black sand beach, snorkel, hike across a caldera, learn about the volcanic life cycle on the Big Island, walk through lava tubes and much, much more! Not only will you visit many famous sites, but you will have the chance to see places that the average tourist will NEVER see.
Please contact Gary Lewis ([email protected]) or Davida Buehler ([email protected]) if you have questions!
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Outstanding Biology Teacher Award 2017
Each year the National Association of Biology Teachers attempts to identify an excellent biology teacher in each of the 50 states. Who is Eligible? Current biology/life science instructors (grades 7-12) with at least three years public, private or parochial school teaching experience. A major portion of the teacher's experience must have been devoted to the teaching of biology/life science. NABT membership is not required. Unsuccessful candidates may be nominated again. OBTA winners are ineligible for 10 years after selection. What is the Process? Candidates will complete an application including resume, educational philosophy, recommendations and a video of the candidate teaching a biology/life science class(es). Who Can Make Nominations? Colleagues, administrators, students or the teacher themselves. What are the Criteria? Teaching ability/experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, inventiveness, initiative and student teacher relationships. How Do I participate? You may nominate online at www.nabt.org or email: Michele Powell at [email protected] Include the following information: Name of Candidate: Candidate's School: School Address: School Phone: Teacher's Email: Your Name: Your Title/Connection to Candidate: Nominations are DUE by February 1, 2017 Applications are DUE May 1, 2017 The National Association of Biology Teacher conference is November 9-12 in St. Louis, MO. Recipients will be honored there at an Honors Luncheon. Cost of attendance must be covered by the recipient's school district OR the individual. If you have any questions, please contact your: South Carolina OBTA Director Michele Powell [email protected]
National Science Teachers Association 1840 Wilson Blvd. Arlington Virginia 22201 United States
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Visit the Roper Mountain Science Center Website for information on 2017 Events. https://www.ropermountain.org/
Upcoming Science Events 4TH Annual Charleston Stem Festival – February 2017
http://charlestonstemfest.org/
~~~~~ This School’s Got STEM Video contest – February 2017
http://www.scfutureminds.org/supporting-schools/schools-got-stem/
~~~~~ Engineers Week @ University of South Carolina – February 2017
~~~~~ Imagine Upstate – April 2017
https://imagineupstate.org/
~~~~~ Seafloor Features and Plate Tectonics - June 14-16, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Teacher Professional Development Workshop College of Charleston
http://www.scseagrant.org/content/?cid=495
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South Carolina Science Council Executive Board
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John Hutchens, President Director of Special Programs, Ruth Patrick Science Center
Pamela Vereen, President-Elect High School Science Instructional Coach, Georgetown County Schools
Amy Dherit, Vice-President STEM Teacher, Spartanburg District 2 [email protected]
Rebecca Jones, Vice-President Elect
7th Grade Teacher, Spartanburg District 7 [email protected]
Jami Cummings, Secretary
5th Grade ELA/Science Teacher, Spartanburg District 7 [email protected]
Amy Norgren, Treasurer & Webmaster
High School Biology Teacher, Spartanburg District 7 [email protected]
Debbie Bishop, Immediate Past President
Instructional Coach/Science Coordinator, Laurens District 55 [email protected]
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District Directors ~~~~~~~~
Nathan Belcher, District 1 Director (Beaufort, Berkely, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, Jasper)
Bridget Kinard, District 2 Director (Bamberg, Calhoun, Lexington, Richland)
Michelle “Micki” Dove, District 3 Director (Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry,
Saluda) [email protected]
Christine Burras, District 4 Director
(Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens) [email protected]
Beverly “DeeDee Quinn, District 5 Director
(Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Spartanburg, Union, York) [email protected]
Vacant, District 6 Director
(Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, Williamsburg)
Advisory Board
Mary Levens, Archivist [email protected] Ron Shelton, Parliamentarian
Lucia Jacobs, Newsletter Editor [email protected]
